£5,000 Innovation Vouchers up for grabs

The Innovation Voucher scheme is designed to provide opportunities to develop new, long-term and sustainable partnerships with a university or recognised research organisation.

Eligible activities include:

• Access to specialist facilities and equipment
• Product design
• Research and development
• Knowledge transfer

Previous beneficiaries include M&I Materials, a manufacturer of products for science and industry, which used its voucher to access specialist research facilities at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Commenting on the company’s voucher-funded project, M&I Materials’ Technical Director, Amanda Quadling, said:

“As part of our ongoing process of improvement, we wanted to gain a better understanding of the science behind [our] manufacturing process. As a result of the tests we have been able to optimise and refine our processes and introduce new innovations to reduce costs, improve predictability and deliver improved customer service.

“Without the input from the Innovation Team, and the work with Manchester Metropolitan University, we would never have achieved the same depth of understanding.”

Successful applicants must match the value of the Innovation Voucher with a £1 contribution for every £1 received, with a minimum contribution of £3,000.

For more information or to apply, visit businessgrowthhub.com/vouchers or contact BGHinnovation@growthco.uk.